Fruit:

Long and thin

0.31-0.5 inches long

Holds 16 to 18 seeds

Smooth

Hairless

Stem:

Rectangular

Branching

Hygrophila can be confused with the native water primrose (submerged type), but water primrose does not have the fingerlike projections at the base of the leaves nor the squarish stem. Hygrophila can be completely submerged or stand above the water like an emergent plant.

Where Does it Grow?

Non-Native

Hygrophila is a perennial plant. It is native to India and Malaysia and was probably brought to the U.S. for the aquarium industry.

Hygrophila can be found in marshy areas along streams, swamps, or on shores of ponds where its horizontal roots form colonies.

Is it Invasive?

Hygrophila is considered a noxious pest because it grows so rapidly, out competing and eliminating native species.

This plant is not native to North America and should not be introduced into new water bodies and should be treated with herbicide when present.